And so we light the first candle of Advent and the season begins. With that lighting, there is expectation and waiting. There is hope and longing. There is darkness and there is light. Growing up I didn’t spend much time with the season of Advent. We went straight to the red and green of Christmas and skipped the blue and purple of Advent all together. While an Advent wreath may have been visible,it was an after- thought, something present without much explanation.So I am pleased that the church has come to more fully enter into this season before Christmas.
It is a radical notion to think-to believe-it is possible to go up against the hype of this holiday season, to somehow put the brakes on the commercial frenzy around and to sit quietly in the darkness of these days.To be reflective about the in-breaking of the Holy amidst the clamoring of those who need our dollars to profit, or at least break even, is tricky work. But that is exactly what Advent calls us to do……to rest in the blue light of winter, to embrace the ‘bleak midwinter’…..to quiet our hearts and minds in anticipation of the celebration of Christmas, Emmanuel, God-with-us.
Advent is a truly counter-cultural thing that the church embraces. Advent says….not yet, not now, wait. It is a practice of delayed gratification for some, a deep prayer for others. Many people want to sing Christmas carols all December but in many churches, mine being one, we resist until Christmas Eve, to many people’s dismay. But on the 24th, when people raise their voices in "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" it is a full-throated choir of angels. When "Joy to World" rings out, the rafters quake with the sound. And during that final, quiet but intense "Silent Night", there can be now doubt that the waiting is over and our anticipation has been fulfilled.
Yesterday we sang these words:"Mystery in darkness, feel the Spirit’s breath. Praise light’s holy absence, granting space for rest. Sing for those who sleep now, all who dream and sigh, Source of every comfort, healing dark, abide."
Welcome to Advent………………